How unimportant 10u was. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an important time to develop and learn. But don’t take it too seriously. Let the kids play and have fun.
….Or 12u, or 14u for that matter. Just use the time to get better, have fun, and prepare for high school ball and recruiting at 16-18u.How unimportant 10u was.
Sooooooooooo True!….Or 12u, or 14u for that matter. Just use the time to get better, have fun, and prepare for high school ball and recruiting at 16-18u.
3 dd's one pitcher.DD currently plays 16U, but started pitching in travel at 8U. So we're down this road quite a ways.
We had no idea how much "more" being a pitcher means. Being a pitcher means it's more expensive, more time commitment, more practice, more pressure, and did I mention more expensive? I think pitchers (and their parents) should be subsidized.
I was very lucky with my daughters journey because I understood pitching more then most. Having played men’s Fastpitch as a pitcher for many years (not at Hillhouse’s level) but playing and pitching for years. I developed a firm understanding of how to throw a ball with proper spin and mechanics. However throughout our journey we were constantly being told by “HE pitching instructors” how she is good, but could be better with their help also they were quick to point out the things we were doing wrong. Like how close her hand was to her body at the point of release (brush contact) How that would limit her movement pitches!!!!Reading threads like this are bitter sweet to me. Obviously it's a good thing that everyone found their way away from HE pitching and pitching coaches. But it's also sad that those coaches still exist.
When I started my instructional business about 20 years ago and got a website 2 years later, I used to have a monthly newsletter and web "blog" where I'd rant and rave of the "PCM" : Pitching Coach Mafia. I believe the PCM is a criminal organization and should be locked up under the federal RICO charges used against the Gambino family. They literally steal money from parents and rob children from their pitching dreams. Think of how many pitchers have ever played this game who were coached by HE people, don't you wonder how they'd have done without that crap? How many kids loved pitching and tried so hard but were crippled by a PCM coach who taught them things contrary to what most of know to be "right". I think it's incumbent of everyone to battle the PCM at every chance. Kind of like the slogan: If you see something, say something. As a parent, wouldn't you have wanted someone to put you on your path sooner?
Top_Notch, you're right about the commitment needed. But that can also be the best part. I consider my journey up into my career the most fun.